GUILFORD, CT — Guilford voters will get the final say on whether the town spends $800,000 on about 63 acres off Durham Road. The Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 on Tuesday, Sept. 22, to put the purchase before a special town meeting.
The vote does not buy the land. A special town meeting will decide whether the town acquires the parcel from its owner, Bartlett Land Corporation. No date has been set; Patch reported that one could be announced when the selectmen meet Oct. 5.
What Guilford Would Get for $800,000
The property borders land owned by the Connecticut Water Company and the Sportsman's Club, among other neighbors, and can be reached from the parking lot at the Lake Quonnipaug beach, the meeting minutes say.
Environmental Planner Kevin Magee told the board that buying the land would keep its forest blocks and wildlife habitat intact and help protect Lake Quonnipaug from runoff. It would also make room for more trails and outdoor recreation, he said.
Board members talked through what could happen to the land if it were developed, the access roads already on the property and the chance to add recreation facilities there, according to the minutes.
Guilford Expects State Grants to Cover Part of the Cost
Magee said he will seek open-space grant money from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which he expects could pay as much as two-thirds of the price. No grant has been awarded yet. Appraisals and surveys of the parcel are under way.